2011 NFL Second Annual Fans' Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers Pick No. 1

Following a highly successful “Fans' Mock” here at B/R in 2010 we’re returning for our second go-round to once again give our fans a chance to vote for who they think their team should select in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft!

After going 2-12 in 2010, the Panthers chose to go in a new direction and hired the defensive-minded Ron Rivera to take over as head coach in 2011.

While Rivera does have the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, his team is so full of holes that it may take years to spark a real turnaround, which makes being successful in this year’s draft an absolute must.

Carolina has questions at many positions, including quarterback and defensive line.

The Panthers took a heavy hit when Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck decided to return to the Cardinal for his senior season, and are now left to choose between a few high-risk players Like Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton, or Jake Locker or look at a different position.

Because they lost dominating defensive end Julius Peppers to free agency, the next most obvious route for Rivera to take could be to replace Peppers with one of two talented prospects in Da’Quan Bowers and Robert Quinn.

Other prospects who could be on the radar in Carolina include defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley, cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, and wide receivers AJ Green and Julio Jones.

So if you were in Head Coach Ron Rivera’s shiny new undefeated shoes, who would you take to help jump-start the resurgence of your beloved Carolina Panthers?

Remember to cast your votes below!! Voting will close in 24 hours!

The Rules: Each day for the next 32 days, we’ll post a continuation of this article at 6 p.m. Eastern time where the fans can comment, discuss, and decide who their team will pick.

At 5 p.m. Eastern the following day, we’ll look at the best comments and opinions and announce the selection your team has made, along with the next team who will pick at 6 p.m.

A list of previous selections will be included and fans will not be allowed to vote for players who are already off the board.

Note: You do not have to use the player’s full name in voting for your vote to count. If there is a tie at the 5 p.m. cut-off, whichever player is ranked as the higher pick on CBS sports' "overall player ranking" will be the selection.

Example: If the Bills have six votes for Von Miller and six votes for Cam Newton, then Miller, who is ranked No. 2 overall, would be the selection over Newton, who is ranked No. 11.